Donetsk, the city that hosted a number of games during Euro 2012, including one of the semi finals, saw its symbolic airport, built especially for the tournament, destroyed by military fire.

Ukraine’s massive $16.5 billion splurge to get ready for one of the biggest international football formats appears to have been a waste as the state-of-the-art seven story airport that was supposed to welcome five million visitors a year now lays in ruin.

The airport turned into a pro-Russian base of operations when the dispute first errupted in May, but was later on seized by Ukrainian commandos who didn’t spare amunition during the affair. Fighting still continues at the site, despite cease-fire agreed on September 5th.

Picture: Reuters @ RFERL